Sir, - It is inconceivable that any truly democratic institution should keep "secrets" about anything from the people who elect them to govern.
We have been rocked to the core in recent years by scandal after scandal. Decisions have been made and things have been done with no regard to even the basic needs of this island or the people who live here - particularly those who are most vulnerable.
Everything should be disclosed now for everyone to see. The "electorate", as some of the citizens of Ireland are often called, is dwindling every time there is any kind of election. Yet the so-called "winners" still manage to congratulate themselves, no matter how reprehensible or questionable their methods of winning and subsequent governing may be.
The intelligence and quality of most of the people in Ireland far outweigh the quality and intelligence of the careerist circle of political, business and other public and private interests reaping the benefits of this beautiful place - and destroying it relentlessly as they go about their "business".
I think the forthcoming presidential election, together with the largely undiscussed or clarified referendum that is being "sneaked in" with it, is disgraceful in the extreme. - Yours, etc.,
York Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin.